How long should you use the same garage door opener? To be fair, this is not a question that most people get asked regularly, so if you do not know the answer, you are not alone. Typically, an electric garage door opener will last for between 10 to 15 years. With some options, such as the LiftMaster Elite Series, you might find that the opener can last longer. Lower quality options will not last for very long, though.
Even if you have a long-lasting opener, it does not mean that the opener you have right now is the best solution. If you have a garage door opener that is a little bit on the older side, you may find that there are new features and technologies that you might want to have available to you. In some cases, there are even requirements for homes to have upgraded openers. New garage door openers in California are now required to have a battery backup.
Eventually, you are going to need to have a replacement. Whether it is because the old opener is not working well or because you need some of the new features; it does not matter. Let’s get a better look at whether you need something new.
How old is old?
If you have been in your current home for a while and you have not changed out the opener, and it was the opener on the garage when you bought the home, you might want to make a change. Of course, you will want to make sure that you know the actual age of the opener. Fortunately, this is nice and easy to find out.
First, you can check to see if your door has an automatic photoelectric reverse automatic photoelectric reverse system. If you have two sensors on either side of the garage door opening about four to six inches from the floor, then you do. Those who don’t will find that their door opener was manufactured before 1993. Another easy option that you can do to check the age is check the metal housing on the motor. This will have the year it was manufactured on it with the serial number and model number.
So, how old is your garage door opener? If you have an opener that is more than the 10 to 15 years old that we mentioned earlier, it might just be time to have a new garage door opener. Something else that you will want to keep in mind is that if you use the opener a lot, it will not last as long. The same is true if you are not providing the opener with proper maintenance. You can do some yourself or you can have it done by the professionals.
Something else that is important to keep in mind is that the spring system, whether torsion or extension, which is the counterweight for the door, will generally only last for five to seven years.
If you want to know more about what you should do, or you need maintenance for your door, you will want to get in touch with one of the specialists from Caspersen Door Systems.
More reasons to get a replacement
Age is not the only reason that you might want to have your garage door opener replaced. There are plenty of other reasons. For example, if you have an opener from a smaller brand that is no longer in business, you will want to get a new one. This way, you can be sure that parts are available for repair. A good option is LiftMaster/Chamberlain. The company has been in business for decades.
Keep out thieves
New garage door openers are more secure, as well. Old models from before 1993 used dip switches, and it was easy to have their codes detected by technologically savvy thieves. They could get right into the garage without any trouble. Fortunately, there have been a number of innovations made to the garage door opener technology over the years, and it is essentially impossible to break the code today.
Safety is important
You have to think about other types of safety, as well. Garage door systems are meant to be safe and to automatically reverse. This includes auto reversal with the photoelectric reversal system. If the garage door does not have the two required safety systems in place, there is a greater chance of a serious accident happening.
Reduce the noise
Many of the older garage door openers on the market are simply too loud. They rattle, squeak, and alert the entire household each time that the door opens. This is terrible if a member of the family works late and comes home after everyone else has gone to sleep. Today’s opens make use of metal-reinforced rubber belts that are much quieter. In addition, there are openers called Jackshaft door openers that will be installed near the door, which can quiet things down.
It makes things easier on you
Of course, one of the big reasons that you might want to get a new garage door opener is so that you can simplify some things in your life. Thanks to LiftMaster/Chamberlain, the introduction of the MyQ System has helped to make things much easier. You will have control of your garage door no matter where you are in the world, as long as you have a connection to the web. Through the phone app, you can open and close the door. You can also use a tablet or a laptop to do the same thing. It is even possible to set a timer so the garage opens at a certain time of day, such as right before you get home.
We Can Help
Those who live near the South Shore & Cape Cod areas will want to contact us at 508-563-5633. We can let you know more about all of the LiftMaster products we offer, as well as all of the other options. We can also send you a quotation by email.
If you are in the market for a garage door opener, or an entire garage door, we can help. Visit the showroom and be sure to check out the online Design Centre and image gallery.
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